Police chiefs today announced Operation Hydrant, the UK-wide investigation into non-recent child sexual abuse, has now received 1,016 referrals.

This is up from 819 before Christmas.

Cops are now looking into 184 suspects, 526 potential victims, and 248 clubs.

This is an increase of 100 clubs, professional and amateur, since the last update four weeks ago.

No clubs have been named but is has already emerged coaches with links to Manchester City, Chelsea, Leeds United, Stoke City, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Celtic, Blackpool and Crewe have been accused.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council said 97% alleged victims are male, with an age range from four to 20.

Operation Hydrant has now received 22 referrals from several different sports.

Simon Bailey, chief constable of Norfolk , said: “Operation Hydrant is beginning to see a decrease in the number of referrals being received via the NSPCC helpline and directly to forces relating to allegations of abuse within football, and other sports.

“Allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse are complex, and often require specialist skills and knowledge, and can take time to progress. However, all allegations and information received by police forces across the country are being acted upon.

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“We continue to urge anyone who may have been a victim of child sexual abuse to report it by dialling 101, or contacting the dedicated NSPCC helpline, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place.

“We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously.

“Anyone with any information regarding child sexual abuse is also urged to come forward.

“When allegations are reported it enables police to assess whether there are current safeguarding risks and ensure that appropriate action is being taken to prevent children being abused today.”

Chelsea have admitted paying £50,000 hush money to former player Gary Johnson, who was assaulted by the club’s then-chief scout Eddie Heath in the 1970s.

Chelsea have admitted paying £50,000 hush money to former player Gary Johnson, who was assaulted by the club’s then-chief scout Eddie Heath in the 1970s

Recalling the naked group massages when he was a schoolboy desperate to make his way in the game, the former England star said he was not abused but admitted: “It’s very, very wrong for a start.

“Looking back it’s pretty disgusting. What went on is not normal behaviour. When you hear stories of the naked soapy water massages, hairy bum competitions, that kind of stuff, you look back and think, ‘hang on a minute, what was going on?’ ”

Former Southampton boss Lawrie McMenemy says he is “disgusted and horrified” at the allegations of sexual abuse at the club.

The former Saints boss admitted he set up the coaching network under which it is alleged scout Bob Higgins took advantage of his position to abuse young kids.

Funded by the Football Association, the NSPCC hotline was set up in early December and is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.

The FA has also instigated an independent review, led by Clive Sheldon QC, into its handling of abuse allegations in the years prior to 2005.